Security beefed up ahead of Ganesh Visarjan in Mumbai

Heavy police presence was seen on the entry and exit points of Mumbai at Dahisar, Mankhurd and Mulund on Friday night, with nakabandi points set up at major junctions and police personnel checking random vehicles.

Additional forces will be deployed to control the law-and-order situation on Sunday, when festive-goers are expected to hit the streets and ghats to participate in immersion rituals of Ganesh idols. (File Photo)

Day ahead of Ganesh Visarjan, the last day of the 10-day Ganeshotsav, the Mumbai Police on Saturday conducted an “all-out operation”, undertaking anti-sabotage measures and stepping up security.

Heavy police presence was seen on the entry and exit points of Mumbai at Dahisar, Mankhurd and Mulund on Friday night, with nakabandi points set up at major junctions and police personnel checking random vehicles. It was part of the all-out operation that began on 11 pm on Friday and ended at 2 am on Saturday.

In all, 9,145 vehicles were checked and 1,695 people were booked for traffic violations. Five motorists were booked for drunk driving.

Also Read | BMC issues guidelines for 10th day of Ganesh festival, 25,000 workers deployed across Mumbai

On Saturday, the Mumbai Police said in a statement that all adequate measures have been taken for Ganesh Visarjan. “…patrolling will be deployed at all sensitive spots and areas. Heavy bandobast is being deployed at all immersion points. Vital installations will be safeguarded…”

For Sunday, when a massive crowd of devotees is expected to throng the roads and beaches, besides Mumbai Police and its local arms, additional force from State Reserve Police Force, Central Reserve Police Force and Home Guards will also be deployed.

As part of the all-out operation, 496 sensitive locations from the security point of view, including 163 Ganpati immersion points, were checked. While preventive action was taken against 267 criminals with a prior record, 49 externed criminals as well as 57 wanted and absconding accused were arrested.

As many as 55 people against whom non-bailable warrants have been issued were also arrested along with 118 for possessing drugs.

Story continues below this ad

Moreover, 31 people were caught for carrying arms and 946 hotels, lodges, hostels and rest houses were checked for anti-social elements. The police also booked 133 unauthorised hawkers.

In all, 53 roads will be completely shut for vehicular traffic on Sunday. Another 55 roads will be one-way. While goods vehicles will be banned on 18 roads, parking will not be allowed at 99 places.

A total of 4394 traffic policemen and wardens along with hundreds of NGO members will help maintain traffic.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
Mumbai